Central government official Liu Yandong continued her charm offensive in Hong Kong yesterday, dancing with kindergarten children and kissing mentally-handicapped students at a special-needs school.

Liu, vice-chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the United Front Work Department, visited St. John's Cathedral in the Central District in the morning, where she stressed that religion is a significant social force that cannot be ignored.

In the afternoon, she visited a special needs school and a kindergarten, both funded by churches, and praised local religious organizations for their social-service contributions.

"I am pleased to see these children living happily under the guidance and care of their schools. Hong Kong's religious groups have made significant efforts to maintaining a harmonious society," she said.

Liu also emphasized the importance of nurturing the growth of children.

"Children are the future pillars of the society, and should be given proper guidance to develop their talents. These children will become the architects of a more prosperous future for Hong Kong, and I wish they can grow up in a healthy environment."

The visiting official added that mainland's schools could learn from Hong Kong's kindergarten system and facilities.

Liu will meet youth representatives and the media today before completing her five-day visit to the territory.

During the visit, she has appealed for harmony and unity among the people of Hong Kong with warm words and eloquent speeches.

Meanwhile, the exhibition of Buddha's finger-bone relic in Hong Kong has attracted more than 100,000 worshipers in three days.

Liu said the arrival of the holy relic has brought peace and harmony to the territory, adding that local Buddhists should further extend the religion's principles of kindness, compassion and unity to promote a more stable society.

(HK Edition 05/29/2004 page1)